Dahlen "Dick" Richard Furniss

Dahlen Richard Furniss Sr., age 81, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, after a brief illness. Born October 19, 1943, In Marion, Richard falsified his age and joined the United States Army in 1960. While stationed in the then West Germany, Richard met the love of his life, Annerose (Schmitt) Furniss, and they married on his 20th birthday in 1963, spending 58 years together until her passing in 2021. With his wife and infant son Rick, Richard returned to Marion after his discharge in 1964. With help from his brother Larry, Richard, or as he was known by coworkers “Dick”, joined Clark Metal where he would spend 37 years as a tool and die maker before retiring.

Richard was passionate about education and was the first member of his family to graduate from college. He loved reading history and science and never missed an episode of Antiques Roadshow and Jeopardy. He enjoyed Ohio State athletics, the Cleveland Guardians and Browns and was the last member of the family alive when the latter two last won championships. He loved the outdoors and supported the preservation of wildlife and their habitats. Richard was a generous and kind man with a fantastic sense of humor who deeply believed in the dignity of work, science and helping disadvantaged children. He was a hero and role model to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to whom he taught the importance of family, unconditional love, kindness, forgiveness and work ethic.

In addition to his beloved wife Annerose, he was preceded in death by his son Dahlen Richard “Rick” Furniss Jr., nephew Larry, sister-in-law Maria Muller, brother-in-law Rainer Schmitt, sister Gloria, brothers Dennis, Steve and the man who was not just his brother but his best friend, Larry Furniss.

Richard is survived by his son Eric (Karey) Furniss, grandchildren Amanda (Nick) Mayne, Adam (Lindsay) Furniss, Spencer Furniss, Chad (Allisha) Furniss, Mariah (Holden Cruea) Furniss, Grace Furniss, Colin (Madison) Rife and Carson Rife, great-grandchildren Abigayle, Kaydence, Makenna, Cooper, Dahlen and Alaina. Other survivors include brothers-in-law Warner Schmitt, Hans Muller, his beloved sister-in-law Bev Furniss and several nieces.

The family will gather privately on what would have been Richard and Annerose’s 62nd anniversary and his 82nd birthday, October 19, to inter their ashes.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Marion General Hospital for their care, compassion and candor during his illness. To honor his memory, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Stroke Association or American Heart Association.